Anwar’s Kishore Kumar Rendition Makes Waves In India As BRICS Visit Boosts Diplomatic, Investment Ties
From M.Saraswathi and R.Ratcharathan
NEW DELHI, Sept 14 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s rendition of Kishore Kumar’s classic “Khwab Ho Tum Ya Koi Haqeeqat” may have struck a chord with Indians, going viral on social media, but his participation in the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit here was firmly focused on strengthening Malaysia’s diplomatic ties and advancing investment and economic engagements.
The one-minute, 32-second video of Anwar performing the popular Hindi song drew positive reactions from many Indians, with some describing it as a “mic drop” moment that stole the limelight at the summit and others calling it the “sweetest part” of the gathering.
The unexpected viral moment added a lighter, more personal dimension and “soft diplomacy” to the Prime Minister’s working visit, highlighting the cultural and people-to-people ties between Malaysia and India.
Having had the privilege of covering many of his visits, one cannot help but observe that his engagements with world leaders extend well beyond hard talks and difficult negotiations.
Soft Diplomacy
Perhaps soft diplomacy is one of Anwar’s most distinctive traits.
He has a natural ability to crack a joke, lighten the mood and break the ice, while still ensuring that the right message is conveyed and important issues are discussed.
“I know this is very late. It takes only a young man with a steady and firm position to be able to conduct a meeting this late. Thank you very much” was Anwar’s opening remark during his bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin that took place past 11pm here on Friday, Sept 11.
Anwar is 79 years old and Putin 73.
The light-hearted remark eased the tension and formal air in the meeting room, which had been heightened by the layers of protocol and security.
“My brother. So happy to meet you,” Anwar said while embracing Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi when they had their bilateral meeting on Sept 12.
Similar moments were also present during his bilateral meetings with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.
Among the other leaders he met were Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Uzbekistan Deputy Prime Minister Jamshid Kuchkarov.
Anwar also met United Nations (UN) Secretary-General António Guterres and World Trade Organization (WTO) Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.
Malaysia’s participation in the summit was in its capacity as a BRICS partner country, a status it held since Jan 1, 2025.
On Gaza, West Asia and A Fairer Global Financial System
The multiple engagements provided opportunities for Malaysia to strengthen bilateral ties with key countries, exchange views on regional and international issues, and explore greater cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
The Prime Minister took the opportunity to discuss various geopolitical developments, particularly the ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis in Gaza, as well as tensions in West Asia.
He said the situation called for unity among the people and world leaders to stop the bloodshed and work towards a just and lasting solution.
Anwar also managed to speak to Prabowo on the severe forest and land fire season in Indonesia, with smoke from fires in parts of Kalimantan and Sumatra affecting neighbouring countries, including Malaysia.
In the National Statement on Shaping the Future for Inclusive Global Growth, the Prime Minister called for a fairer global financing system, saying no country should be forced to choose between repaying its debts and meeting its obligations to its people.
“Many countries were facing debt distress or were at serious risk of it, with some spending more on interest payments than on educating their young or caring for the sick.
“No nation should be forced to choose between honouring its debts and honouring its obligations to its people,” he stressed.
He also met representatives of DRB-Hicom, Segula Technologies India, AWL Agri Business Ltd and Motherson Group to discuss opportunities to expand investment and industrial cooperation between Malaysia and India in strategic sectors.
The Prime Minister’s participation in the summit also provided Malaysia with a platform to promote the country as an attractive investment destination and deepen economic engagement with BRICS members and other participating countries.
Keralam Visit, Award And Call To Embrace AI
In Kozhikode, Keralam, a state on the Malabar Coast of India, Anwar met the Grand Mufti of India, Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad, at Markazu Saquafathi Sunniya, also known as Jamia Markaz.
During the one-hour meeting, the Prime Minister and Sheikh Abubakr exchanged views on community development, educational empowerment, and efforts to strengthen interfaith understanding and harmony.
Anwar also received the inaugural Sheikh Abu Bakar Foundation Excellence Award in recognition of his more than five decades of public service and contributions to education, Islamic scholarship, institutional development, international dialogue and human well-being.
In his speech at the “Gathering of Honour for the Prime Minister of Malaysia” event at Jamia Markaz, the Prime Minister called on the Muslim world to embrace artificial intelligence (AI) and new technologies while ensuring that faith, moral values and Islamic heritage remain firmly preserved.
Speaking before around 2,000 attendees, including Islamic scholars and students, Anwar said Muslim scholars and societies could not afford to remain detached from the rapid development of AI and modern technology, as a lack of knowledge and understanding could leave them vulnerable to external influences.
In his discussion with Chief Minister V. D. Satheesan, Anwar encouraged greater collaboration in the digital economy, healthcare, tourism, education and other high-value sectors.
Both leaders also discussed ways to strengthen economic cooperation and facilitate greater trade and investment, as well as explore opportunities to expand tourism, business and people-to-people exchanges.
He also invited Satheesan to visit Malaysia.
Following this, the Prime Minister had a one-on-one business meeting with the UAE-India Business Council and UAE-based BEEAH Group.
Anwar also had a courtesy call with Keralam’s Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arleka, as well as the Minister for Industries and Commerce is P.K Kunhalikutty. Also present during the meeting were several captains of industries.
During the discussion, he welcomed the longstanding Malaysia-Keralam relationship involving trade, migration, education and cultural exchanges. He also encouraged greater collaboration in digital economy, healthcare, tourism, education and other high-value sectors.
They also discussed opportunities to expand tourism, business and people-to-people exchanges.
Anwar arrived here last Friday to attend the summit. It was his second visit to India as Prime Minister, with the first one being in August 2024.
From India, he heads to the Maldives for a two-day official visit.
-- BERNAMA